Lao PDR the adventure playground of Asia

Absolutely! Laos is a beautiful country with a lot to offer in terms of adventure travel. From hiking through lush forests to ziplining over rivers, there’s no shortage of exciting activities for those looking for a thrill.

One of the most popular adventure activities in Laos is trekking. The country is known for its dense jungle, rugged mountains, and remote villages, making it an ideal destination for hikers. There are a number of trekking routes to choose from, ranging from half-day hikes to multi-day expeditions. Some of the most popular trekking destinations in Laos include Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Muang Ngoi.

Another great adventure activity in Laos is ziplining. Many of the country’s rivers offer opportunities for ziplining, allowing visitors to soar above the treetops and take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape. One popular zipline destination is the stunning Kuang Si Falls, located just outside of Luang Prabang.

For those who love water sports, kayaking is a must-try activity in Laos. The country is home to a number of rivers that are ideal for kayaking, including the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng and the Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw. Visitors can also explore the country’s scenic waterfalls by kayak, such as the Tad Sae Waterfall near Luang Prabang.

Caving is another exciting adventure activity in Laos. The country is home to hundreds of caves, many of which have not been fully explored. Some of the most popular caves for visitors to explore include the Kong Lor Cave in Khammouane Province and the Tham Ting and Tham Theung Caves near Pak Ou.

For those looking to venture off the beaten path, motorbiking is a great option. Laos is known for its rugged terrain and stunning scenery, making it an ideal destination for motorbike enthusiasts. Some popular routes for motorbiking include the Thakhek Loop in central Laos and the Northern Loop, which takes visitors through the remote northern region of the country.

Lastly, for those who want to experience the thrill of flying through the air, parasailing and paragliding are both great options in Laos. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as they glide through the air, with popular parasailing destinations including the Nam Ngum Reservoir and Vang Vieng.

Overall, Laos is a fantastic destination for adventure travel enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and exciting activities, it’s a great place to explore and experience something new. Whether you’re trekking through dense jungles, ziplining over rivers, or kayaking through scenic waterfalls, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had in Laos.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-660

The Khmu People of Lao PDR

Lao PDR has a diverse ethnic population with over 100 different ethnic groups. The most diverse ethnic group in Lao PDR is the Khmu people.

The Khmu people are an indigenous ethnic group, and they are one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. They are mainly found in the northern and central parts of Laos, in areas such as Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces.

The Khmu people have their own unique culture, language, and customs. Their traditional livelihoods include agriculture, hunting, and gathering. They are also known for their skills in weaving, basket-making, and handicrafts.

The Khmu community is diverse in terms of their dialects, religious beliefs, and cultural practices. They have their own traditional festivals and celebrations, which are an important part of their culture.

Due to their diversity, the Khmu people have contributed significantly to the cultural richness of Lao PDR. However, like many ethnic groups in Lao PDR, they have also faced challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-643

Food scene in Lao PDR

Lao PDR has a rich culinary heritage, and there are many restaurants and street vendors that offer a variety of delicious and authentic Lao food. Here are the top 5 restaurants in Lao PDR:

1. Khaiphaen Restaurant: Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, Khaiphaen Restaurant serves traditional Lao cuisine made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Their menu includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as gluten-free options.  

2. Tamnak Lao Restaurant: Tamnak Lao Restaurant, located in the capital city of Vientiane, offers a fine dining experience with a focus on traditional Lao cuisine. The restaurant is situated in a beautifully restored French colonial building and offers stunning views of the Mekong River.

3. The Belle Rive Terrace Restaurant: Another restaurant in Luang Prabang, The Belle Rive Terrace Restaurant offers a unique dining experience overlooking the scenic Nam Khan River. The restaurant offers a mix of Lao and Western cuisine, and their signature dish is the Luang Prabang Salad.

4. Lao Kitchen Restaurant: Located in the heart of the Vientiane city center, the Lao Kitchen Restaurant is a popular spot for local Lao food. Their menu includes a range of traditional dishes such as laap, khao soi, and green papaya salad.

5. Tamarind Restaurant: Situated on the picturesque Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang, Tamarind Restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a fusion of Lao and Western cuisine. Their menu focuses on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and offers a range of dishes including their signature dish – the Tamarind BBQ chicken.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/edit-blog-entry-food-scene-lao-pdr

Rice planting season is upon us!

The rice planting season in Lao PDR typically begins in May and goes on until July. During this time, farmers prepare the fields by clearing and plowing. They also have to create irrigation channels to get water to the fields. 

Once the fields are prepared, the farmers select the seedlings and begin planting them by hand or machine. The young rice plants require a lot of water, and the fields need to be flooded during the early stages of growth.

After about two to three months, the rice plants are ready for harvesting. The rice harvest usually occurs in October or November. During this time, farmers cut the rice stalks and leave them to dry before threshing the grains away.

Overall, rice planting in Lao PDR is an important part of the country’s agricultural economy and way of life for many communities.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-657

Wild trecks in Lao PDR

Lao PDR offers some of the best treks in Southeast Asia with majestic mountains, dense forests, and a rich variety of wildlife. Here are some of the best wild treks you can enjoy in Lao PDR:

1. Luang Namtha – Nam Ha National Park: This is one of the most popular trekking spots in Lao PDR. The park offers a range of trekking options from a half-day trek to a week-long trek. You can explore the dense forest, waterfalls, and wild rivers while encountering ethnic minority communities and learn about their traditional practices.

2. Phou Louey: This a remote national protected area in Northern Laos and one of the largest evergreen forests left in Indochina. It is often referred to as the ‘Land of the Giants’ for its huge trees, rare wildlife, and stunning views. You can take a three-day trek on an eco-trail and explore the flora and fauna of the Phou Louey landscape.

3. Bolaven Plateau: This plateau is located in the southeast of the country and is home to many small traditional villages. The area has numerous waterfalls, wild rivers, and extensive coffee plantations, forests, and plantations. You can take a two-day trek to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Plateau.

source:https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-648

Lao Prime Minister Issues Order to Strengthen Forest Protection

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone issued an order last week to improve conservation efforts of forests in the country in response to concerns about the increasing rate of deforestation in Laos.

The order was issued to relevant ministries and their heads, governors, and mayors throughout the country to prevent the encroachment and destruction of forests, as well as the reserving, buying, and selling of forest land, and clearing of forest areas without explicit permission from the government.

Numerous residents have been resorting to illegally cutting down trees or burning forest land for agriculture, and the government has called for a complete prohibition of such activities, urging local authorities to enforce strict regulations to keep them from happening.

The order outlines several measures that will be taken to achieve this goal, including increased inspections of forest areas, stronger enforcement of existing laws, and the promotion of sustainable forest management practices.

In 2021, the government set a goal of restoring forest cover to over 70 percent by 2025, to ensure long-term environmental protection and reduce the risk of natural disasters. Laos has lost a significant portion of its forest cover in the past 50 years, driven by several factors, including the expansion of agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development.

According to the order, all ministries and sectors will have to increase vigilance and take further responsibility when inspecting and taking measures against those that violate regulations prohibiting illegal logging of forest land.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/25/lao-prime-minister-issues-order-to-strengthen-forest-protection/

Lao PM Calls for ‘De-dollarization’ and Further Regulation of Foreign Currencies

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone signed a seven-page order on 14 July to ensure that foreign exchange earned through exports and foreign investments, enters the country through its banking system.

According to Xinhua, this latest regulation during a time of soaring inflation and mounting public debt, is an effort to increase the supply of foreign currencies in the country, leading to de-dollarization, and more demand for the Lao kip.

Currently, a little over 30 percent of export receipts in Laos enter through the country’s banking system, which doesn’t help in reinstating the country’s depleting foreign currency reserves due to the overall imbalance of payment in the country.

Hence the government has ordered the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL), to improve its electronic payment system for financial transactions and to regulate the use of foreign currencies in special economic zones, where payment of services are often made in stronger currencies like the Thai Baht.

The order also instructed the Ministry of Finance to collect taxes and revenues from businesses and exporters in foreign currencies if they generate income in currencies other than Lao Kip.

Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce was asked to develop an electronic system that enabled the sharing of data with BOL and other sectors to regulate import and export activities.

Moreover, the order also instructed importers and exporters to hold specific bank accounts in Laos to facilitate their financial transactions and also register with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to transfer export revenue via the banking system and into specific accounts.

Exporters who need to park their foreign currency overseas to repay loans in other countries should also seek prior permission from the BOL.

Relevant sectors in the country were also asked to regulate and monitor the inflow of foreign currencies earned from foreign investments and provide regular updates to the central bank.

Government officials were informed to keep supervising that the payment of goods, services, salaries of local employees, etc. was made in Lao Kip. Using local currency was also a mandate for businesses that sell goods online. Only foreign experts and expat employees can continue to receive their salaries in foreign currencies, says the notice.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/19/lao-pm-calls-for-de-dollarisation-and-further-regulation-of-foreign-currencies/

National Assembly Wraps Up 5th Ordinary Session with Focus on Economic Development

The National Assembly of Laos concluded its 5th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature on Tuesday, with key discussions centered around economic challenges and the introduction of new laws.

The session, which took place from June 26 to July 18, witnessed the active participation of National Assembly members, esteemed state leaders, and cabinet members, who engaged in lively debates aimed at advancing the country’s development and addressing pressing economic issues.

Distinguished figures in attendance included Thongloun Sisoulith, the Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos, as well as other senior Party and state leaders, along with members of the cabinet.

During the 17-day session, the National Assembly members lauded the government’s achievements in revitalizing the economy, which exhibited a commendable growth rate of 4.8 percent in the first half of 2023. They also applauded the government’s efforts to bolster domestic productivity, enhance exports, and increase revenue generation.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly, expressed satisfaction with the session’s outcomes, noting that it successfully met its intended objectives. He highlighted the agreement reached on various measures to address critical issues, such as inflation, currency exchange rates, and the high cost of living, which directly impact the lives of employees, soldiers, police, and ethnic communities.

Significant topics discussed during the session included state-funded development projects, teacher shortages, management of mining operations, and measures to stabilize the economy. The National Assembly members emphasized the importance of finding immediate solutions to the ongoing drug problem while urging the government to enforce laws on business and finance.

The session also witnessed the adoption of a visionary roadmap extending until 2040 and a comprehensive strategy on water management and national water resources until 2030, reflecting the Assembly’s commitment to sustainable development and resource preservation.

In addition, lawmakers thoroughly debated and approved amendments to existing laws, including those related to the Supreme People’s Prosecutor Office, Supreme People’s Court, military court, public health, job creation, commercial banks, land tax, youth, child rights, economy, fisheries, wildlife, and state printing operations.

The National Assembly also deliberated on the socio-economic development plan, as well as the budget and monetary plans for the remaining half of 2023 and the subsequent year.

Furthermore, a comprehensive report on the progress made in executing national agendas addressing economic and financial hardships, along with efforts to combat the nation’s drug problem, was presented. The session called for intensified measures to tackle these challenges effectively.

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee provided an extensive overview of the Assembly’s performance over the past year and outlined the plan of work for the upcoming six months, ensuring a continued focus on the country’s development.

Throughout the session, the National Assembly actively sought public participation by establishing a hotline number and email address, enabling citizens to voice their opinions and raise concerns for deliberation by the Assembly members.

The successful conclusion of the 5th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly marked another significant step in Laos’ pursuit of sustainable economic development, as the government and legislative bodies work together to address key challenges and propel the nation towards prosperity.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/19/national-assembly-wraps-up-5th-ordinary-session-with-focus-on-economic-development/

Ministry of Transport Suggests Setting up Fund to Maintain Roads, Prevent Accidents

The Minister of Public Works and Transport announced his plan to increase state budgets for road safety work by setting up a fund amid the increasing number of road accidents in Laos.

Mr. Ngampasong Muongmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport, recently informed the National Assembly that the ministry spends between LAK 17 and 18 billion (over USD 800) a year, or 2.8% of the national budget, on road safety work.

In Laos, 80% of the state budget of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is allocated to all transport-related activities, such as the repair of national and local roads, new road construction, and the fund for the provincial City Office for Management and Service.

According to the minister, the country loses approximately 1,000 people annually to road accidents, and in the past five years, road accidents have claimed the lives of 5,000 individuals. He added that the condition of roads across the country needs to be developed and consistently maintained to prevent many of these accidents.

To this effect, the Ministry and National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) discussed establishing a fund for the National Road Safety campaign to combat speeding and drunk driving-related traffic accidents.

A Vientiane Times report says that the National Road Fund will also closely monitor the repair and maintenance of roads in the country and it will be financed by the fees charged to vehicles entering and exiting the four bridges on the Lao-Thai border across the Mekong River, from fines charged to motorists, and various other sources.

Laos recorded over 900 deaths in road accidents in 2022; the leading cause of death being drunk driving and speeding, while in June this year, 55 people were killed in road accidents, according to the Traffic Police Department at the Ministry of Public Security.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/18/ministry-of-transport-suggests-setting-up-fund-to-maintain-roads-prevent-accidents/

Op-ed: Laos, Southeast Asia, and Australia Opportunities for Shared Economic Prosperity

Australia is deepening its economic engagement with Southeast Asia, writes Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore. 

As Special Envoy for Southeast Asia appointed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony
Albanese, I am leading the development of the Australian Government’s Southeast Asia
Economic Strategy to 2040.

The strategy will set out a practical pathway to boost two-way trade and investment between Australia, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste. To help inform the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy for 2040, I have been consulting across Australia and the region on the opportunities and barriers to economic growth.

This week I am in Vientiane on my first visit to Laos, to hear local perspectives and learn how Australian capability, technology, and investment can help meet the needs of Laos’ growing economy.

Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Nicholas Moore, and Australian Ambassador to Laos, Paul Kelly, visited Sisaket Temple in Vientiane Capital.

We have a strong base in the region to work from. Australia’s two-way trade with ASEAN is
more than 14% of Australia’s overall trade, surpassing AUD 150 billion (USD 100 billion) in
2021-22. This is greater than Australia’s two-way trade with Japan or the United States.

Emerging regional trends, including growing middle classes, urbanization, and demographic
shifts will transform Southeast Asian economies over the next two decades.

Laos has one of the most youthful populations in our region with almost 55% of the population under the age of 25. Across Southeast Asia, this large, productive demographic base of 670 million people holds incredible potential to drive growth to 2040
and beyond.

Australia is a trusted and reliable partner and has much to offer Laos and our broader region in areas such as education, agriculture technology, and renewable energy. In 2021-22, our two-way trade in goods and services was AUD 617 million. While this is more than double the previous year, there is room to grow.

Additionally, Australia has also provided a stable market for Lao exports, mainly in gold,
telecommunications equipment, and electric machinery. In Laos, Australian companies have
invested in mining, forestry, banking, and tourism, and bring innovation, international best
practices, and new employment to the local economy.

We contribute to Southeast Asia’s energy security, food security, and infrastructure. Our
investments and development assistance in Laos have supported economic growth through
establishing world-class mines, improving education outcomes, enhancing transport
connectivity and strengthening public financial management.

Under the Australian Government’s Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) initiative, Australia
is providing at least AUD 10 million to improve transport connectivity, trade, and logistics,
help Laos attract quality investment, and facilitate business growth. This is vital to the secure and stable economic futures our countries seek.

The speed of Laos’ evolution to become Southeast Asia’s largest electricity exporter is
impressive, with its electricity generation predicted to reach 70 terawatts by 2040.

The new Laos-Australia Sustainable Energy Partnership, which was signed in May 2023, will support Laos’ green economy ambitions and share Australian expertise in energy planning, emerging technologies, and the clean energy transition. We are exploring new opportunities to increase cooperation on solar, hydrogen and energy storage, wind, and hydropower
integration projects.

With more than 60% of Laos’ workforce in the agriculture sector, I am confident there are
also opportunities for greater exchange with Australia. Our skills and knowledge in
agribusiness, sustainable and productive agriculture, and food systems could help strengthen Laos’ agriculture.

We share more than 70 years of bilateral relations – the longest unbroken diplomatic
relationship Laos has with any country. Recent months have seen an increase in the tempo
of our relations.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Excellency
Saleumxay Kommasith visited Australia in October 2022, Prime Ministers announced their
intention to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership in November
2022, and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong visited Laos
in May 2023.

More than 17,000 people with Lao ancestry live in Australia – a popular destination for Lao
students. His Excellency Saleumxay was the first student from Laos to graduate from
Monash University in Melbourne. Our Australia Awards scholarship program has also
supported tertiary education in Australia for more than 1300 Lao citizens, who have
contributed further to Laos’ development.

Australia and Laos are parties to the Agreement Establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New
Zealand Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement. These agreements have been essential to trade.

While our trade relationship continues to grow, our shared economic future will depend on how we address trade and investment barriers, as well as how we approach partnerships and opportunities.

Australia is invested in Laos and Southeast Asia. We will be ambitious in Southeast Asia
Economic Strategy to 2040, to deepen our economic engagement with the region for our
shared security and prosperity.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Laotian Times.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/07/17/op-ed-laos-southeast-asia-and-australia-opportunities-for-shared-economic-prosperity/